In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group. This initiative, a key component of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch, accompanied by a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creative industry leaders in London, marks a pivotal moment in the UK-Nigeria relationship. These events provided a platform for exploring new opportunities and forging commercial alliances across key creative subsectors, including Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
The Working Group’s primary objective is to deepen bilateral ties by promoting collaboration and cultural exchange, thereby driving sustainable economic growth and job creation. A Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 have been established to guide the Group’s efforts.
Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, emphasized the initiative’s significance: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity. This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries.”
Mr. Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of strategic investment and support for Nigeria’s creative economy: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr. Obi Asika, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, stressed the value of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes.”
Adedayo Ayoade, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, speaking on behalf of the music industry, underscored the importance of global collaborations: “The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch and match-making event, featuring in-person dialogues between UK and Nigerian government officials and creatives, established an institutional framework for future deliberations and actions, solidifying the commitment to deepen bilateral ties through creative industry collaboration